Before children come into your life you get a lot of advice from those around you about what you can expect. It might be encouraging 'It's magical, you'll love it' or most of the time it's scare stories 'They bleed you of energy, don't do it!' but there are a lot of things no one tells you about being a mum.
Recently I was asked by an 8yr old "how do you learn to be a mummy?"......I was stumped. I replied with "no one teaches you, you just have a baby and figure it out" her reply was "that sounds difficult" too right it does!
And so to help you these are a collection of things we've learned since having our little monkeys - By Mum Still Standing and Friends.
When your baby is rousing from a nap NEVER look him in the eye. Once eye contact is established you have to immediately go back into mum mode and pick him up. Pretend you haven't noticed and finish your cup of tea, he'll give you a little chat when he's ready.
Life or death situation: Loosing the dummy. "What do you mean you didn't track its every move from the car to the buggy and around the park? Where IS IT!?"
They really will make you laugh every day (and maybe cry too).
Poo-namies will happen at the worst possible times. Tip: roll the vest down over their shoulders instead of up over their head-it avoids poo in the hair!
Watching them develop will be your proudest achievement. From rolling over, taking steps, saying 'Mummy' and forming sentences, you will gush!
Trying to function as a couple is really hard. Be prepared for serious arguments and serious doubt. But remember you're both sleep deprived and you will work through it. No one said it was easy.
Sometimes you want to quit motherhood.
All stinky nappies require 3-4 wet wipes to be out of the packet before you begin. If you don't then you will encounter The Wet Wipe Flap (frantically flapping a wet wipe to set it free from the next one while trying to keep their feet/fingers away from the poo) which in moments of stress is the worst!
Kids will ruin left over food for you (see picture)
Get out to groups and classes. It's not everyone's cup of tea but it gets you out of the house and stops you going crazy. Even though you look a bit crazy marching around in circles to The Grand Old Duke of York.
A cuddle or smile from them will turn your day from hell into all being forgiven in an instant.
You will begin to loathe inanimate objects such as toys, bottles, car seat.
What might be the best thing for you might be the worst thing for another mum. No one is wrong, trust your instincts.
And never judge. We're all doing the best we can. If the woman at soft play is staring at her phone instead of her kids it's probably because it's the first chance she's had all day.
It is the hardest thing you will ever do.
It is the most wonderful thing you will ever do.
They are a gift. Treasure it because they grow up quicker than you think!
Speak soon x
Recently I was asked by an 8yr old "how do you learn to be a mummy?"......I was stumped. I replied with "no one teaches you, you just have a baby and figure it out" her reply was "that sounds difficult" too right it does!
And so to help you these are a collection of things we've learned since having our little monkeys - By Mum Still Standing and Friends.
When your baby is rousing from a nap NEVER look him in the eye. Once eye contact is established you have to immediately go back into mum mode and pick him up. Pretend you haven't noticed and finish your cup of tea, he'll give you a little chat when he's ready.
Life or death situation: Loosing the dummy. "What do you mean you didn't track its every move from the car to the buggy and around the park? Where IS IT!?"
They really will make you laugh every day (and maybe cry too).
Poo-namies will happen at the worst possible times. Tip: roll the vest down over their shoulders instead of up over their head-it avoids poo in the hair!
Watching them develop will be your proudest achievement. From rolling over, taking steps, saying 'Mummy' and forming sentences, you will gush!
Trying to function as a couple is really hard. Be prepared for serious arguments and serious doubt. But remember you're both sleep deprived and you will work through it. No one said it was easy.
Sometimes you want to quit motherhood.
All stinky nappies require 3-4 wet wipes to be out of the packet before you begin. If you don't then you will encounter The Wet Wipe Flap (frantically flapping a wet wipe to set it free from the next one while trying to keep their feet/fingers away from the poo) which in moments of stress is the worst!
Kids will ruin left over food for you (see picture)
 |
| Cheers then. Didn't want any apple anyway. |
Get out to groups and classes. It's not everyone's cup of tea but it gets you out of the house and stops you going crazy. Even though you look a bit crazy marching around in circles to The Grand Old Duke of York.
A cuddle or smile from them will turn your day from hell into all being forgiven in an instant.
You will begin to loathe inanimate objects such as toys, bottles, car seat.
 |
| The bane of my life. |
What might be the best thing for you might be the worst thing for another mum. No one is wrong, trust your instincts.
And never judge. We're all doing the best we can. If the woman at soft play is staring at her phone instead of her kids it's probably because it's the first chance she's had all day.
It is the hardest thing you will ever do.
It is the most wonderful thing you will ever do.
They are a gift. Treasure it because they grow up quicker than you think!
Speak soon x
Mine are all grown up now, but I still remember all of the above. Lovely writing made me giggle and smile. I look forward to reading your next one. Jackie x
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